Hanging "DAD"

In the November 2014 Issue of the Keystone Crusader, "Dad" Tom Labagh, Executive Officer of Pennsylvania DeMolay, shared the details of a very special fundraising appeal that has been launched by DeMolay International: the placing of a portrait of "Dad" Frank S. Land, DeMolay Founder, in the Pillars of Charity Hallway in the Southern Jurisdiction's Scottish Rite House of the Temple.

Located in Washington, DC, the House of the Temple Pillars of Charity Hallway features portraits of the great philanthropists of the 20th Century who have given one million dollars to the Scottish Rite Museum.  Some of the notables with portraits in the Circular Hallway, as it's commonly known, include President Harry S. Truman, General Douglas MacArthur, Astronaut John Glenn, Golf Legend Arnold Palmer and Entertainer Burl Ives.

DeMolay International has partnered with the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite to raise a half a million dollars for this project - with a bit of a twist: the funds raised by DeMolay will be returned to DeMolay International to improve the investment package and programs of DeMolay.

In support of this special endeavor, Pennsylvania DeMolay has pledged $25,000.00 to the cause, and "Dad" Labagh has challenged each DeMolay Chapter in Pennsylvania to help raise these funds over the next two years.

During the Volleyball Tournament, on January 10th, Elizabethtown Chapter became the first chapter to support the appeal by presenting a check for $500.00 to State Master Councilor Isaac Holtzer.  In making the presentation, Elizabethtown's Master Councilor, Evan Crawford, joined by the members of the chapter who were at the volleyball tournament, encouraged other chapters to step forward and support this important project.

"Dad" Labagh has asked that all contributions to the "Dad" Land Pillars of Charity project be made by Convention 2016.  Please contact the Pennsylvania DeMolay Office at 800-266-8424 X4 or Executive Secretary Dave Berry at dwberry@pademolay.net for more information.

Thank you, "Dad" Seth Anthony!

Even though "Dad" Seth Anthony will no longer be working at the PA Masonic Youth Foundation office and handling all of our public communications, he certainly isn't going far from DeMolay.  He will continue as our Convention Director, and will engage in other activities as his time permits.

I am excited to see how "Dad" Anthony can create a positive internet presence for the Masonic Villages and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. If he attacks that problem with the creativity and genius he brought to the PMYF over the past 6 years, they are going to be very pleased with his work!

"Dad" Anthony is just one more outstanding success story who grew his leadership and public speaking skills through his time as an
Active DeMolay, and then immediately began to give back to the fraternity as an adult leader.  While we will miss him around the PMYF office, we'll be seeing a lot of him at local fraternal events.

Thanks for 6 great years, Seth, and congratulations on the new position!  I think I can speak for ALL of Pennsylvania DeMolay when I say, "We wish you success in everything you do!"


"Dad" Thomas R. Labagh
Executive Officer

All good things...

As I write this post, I’m reminded that this blog has run continuously for more than four years. We’ve had close to 600 posts, with nearly 200,000 page views. These have included contests, thought provoking discussions, historical discoveries, event coverage, and more. Yet, all good things must come to an end.

This will be my last post as the lead writer of this blog.

After more than 6 years of employment with the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, I’ve accepted a transfer to begin working for the Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania. It’s an excellent opportunity and one that I’m excited to begin. However, this will leave me with little time to operate and update this blog. It is my full intention that whoever fills my shoes at PMYF will take over the writing of posts, but it may take some time for things to get back into the full swing. I hope to guest post here from time to time, so I won’t be gone forever – I just won’t be posting on any regular schedule.

Thank you to all of the loyal readers. I hope that you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have. I know that DeMolay has benefited from the existence of this site. That, in and of itself, is the best reward.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

“Dad” Seth C. Anthony

Tips for Members & Advisors: Make Time for Family

Today's post comes from "Dad" Bill Sardone, Executive Officer of New York and Grand Junior Councilor of DeMolay International. This piece was originally published in NY DeMolay's Newsletter, "The Bridge." Thanks to "Dad" Sardone for letting us share it with you!

This time of year, members, Sweethearts, and Advisors alike take time to spend with their families. No matter which holiday you celebrate, the end of the year always seems to draw families together. During the rest of the year, sometimes we can neglect time spent with family, especially when we are so involved in things like work, extra-curriculars, and even DeMolay.

As we become more involved in the Masonic organizations, and especially as we rise through the ranks to take on Region and State offices, time spent relaxing with family can seem like a pipe dream. It's important to make family time a priority, even when you're busy with your Masonic Family.  Here are a few things some families have tried:

• Make Family a Priority. We discussed this in a previous ESD edition, but it bears repeating. One thing DeMolay teaches us is the importance of family. Family should always come first. If you have a family obligation the same day as a DeMolay event, spend time with your family. Your Brothers will understand.
• Include Your Family in DeMolay Activities: Invite your family members along to help share in something you are passionate about. Whether it be a fundraiser, a prospect event, or a state event like the Strike It Up State Bowling Event, extend an invitation to your family and show them what you've been up to.
•  Family Time is Family Time. If DeMolay tends to be the topic of conversation in your house more than anything else, pick a time where your family focuses on other things. Some families use meal times to discuss interests outside of DeMolay. You can get back to discussing details for your Installation later.
•  Do Things That Interest Your Family. If your family members aren't as active in DeMolay as you are, that's perfectly fine. But if they take the time to come out to your meetings and fundraisers, be sure to take time out to attend events and activities that they are interested in as well.
•  Never Forget Your Real Family. While DeMolay gives us more "Brothers" and "Dads" and "Moms" than we know what to do with, don't forget your real brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. You can have a large Masonic Family, just don't forget those who have been there for you before you were initiated.

Remember it's always "God Bless the Mother, God Bless the Father," before "God Bless the purposes of DeMolay." Make room for both families in your life and remember to thank all those who support you, no matter which they are from.

 

The Key to Time

As we celebrate the new year, I'm reminded that we are really celebrating the passing of time. We spend New Year's Day looking back on 2014 and forward to 2015. It seems only appropriate that today's post deals not only with time, but with an article I posted earlier this year.

Back in January (almost a year ago now), I wrote a piece about watch keys, entitled "The Key to What?" In that article, I talked about the history of keys as they relate to DeMolay and their actual use. One of the pictures I used was of a PSMC's Key that was presented to Bro. K.C. Bare upon the completion of his term of office in 1935. It was a very interesting article of regalia that I'd never seen anywhere else.

Well, lo and behold, this Christmas I was surprised with the gift of a DeMolay watch key of my own. Hailing from the same era, but with a slightly different design, I presume this key to be for a Past Master Councilor. It's made of sterling silver and is fairly large. All of  the seed pearls are intact, but sadly four other stones have fallen out over the years (as evidenced by their empty settings on the bottom.) Regardless, it's a unique and beautiful piece of DeMolay history that's approaching 100 years old. I'll certainly be proud to wear it, that's for sure!

Enjoy your holiday and I look forward to seeing you in 2015!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth C. Anthony